Transcript Unit 7
The Special Senses
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UNIT 7
The Special Senses
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The 5 senses are: smell, taste, vision, hearing
and equilibrium
Ophthalmology is science of the eye
Otolaryngology is science of the ear
Otorhinolaryngology is the science that studies
the ears, nose, and throat.
Olfaction = Smell
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Olfaction is the sense of smell.
It is a chemical sense, because smell comes from the
interaction of molecules with sensory neurons called
olfactory receptors.
The chemicals that cause smell are called odorants
and can evoke strong emotional responses or
memories
We can recognize 10,000 different smells!
Gustation = Taste
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Gustation is the sense of taste.
It is also a chemical sense.
To be detected, molecules must be dissolved.
Taste stimuli classes include sour, sweet, bitter,
salty, and umami (savory).
Gustation is closely linked to olfaction, without
the sense of smell, you cannot taste.
We have 10,000 taste buds, which decline with
age
Eyes
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Eyes have receptors
in them that
respond to light
energy.
The optic nerve
connects the back of
the eye to the brain.
The brain interprets
this information,
which allows you to
see.
Parts of the Eye
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The retina is at the back of the eye, it senses the
difference between light and dark.
It has rod cells (used to see black/white or in dim
light) and cone cells (used to see color and in bright
light)
Parts of the Eye
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Cornea: transparent front part of the eye, helps you
focus
Sclera: white of the eye, protects the eye
Lens: helps you see objects far away
Iris: colored part of the eye, controls the size of the
pupil
Parts of the Eye
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Pupil: the black part in the middle, where light
enters the eye
Vitreous humor: clear gel that makes up the bulk of
the eyeball
Aqueous humor: clear fluid between the lens and the
cornea in the front of the eye
Hearing
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The ear changes sound vibrations into electrical
signals that the brain interprets as sound
The ear has 3 main parts: external, middle, and
internal ears
External (outer) ear
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The auricle or pinna is the flap of elastic cartilage
that makes up the outer ear.
The eardrum is a thin partition between the ear canal
and the middle ear.
Middle Ear
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The auditory ossicles or ear bones are located here
(malleus, incus, stapes)
Inner Ear
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The cochlea is found here, it is a fluid filed, snail
shaped organ lined with tiny hairs.
It sends the vibrations of sound waves through the
nerves connected to the brain.
Equilibrium
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The ear is also important in our equilibrium: the
hairs and the fluid in the semi-circular canals send
signals to the brain.
Equilibrium helps us balance and maintain upright
posture.
Special Senses Disease and Disorder Chart
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Disease
Hyposmia
Taste Aversion
Detached retina
Color blindness
Deafness
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Meinere’s
Disease
Ottis Media
Conjunctivitis
Aging
Caus
e
Symptom
s
Susceptibl
y
Treatments
Prognosis
Web-Quest and Special Senses Project
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1. Choose a sense. Then choose an art major.
2. Create a piece of art that you can share that integrates the science
behind your sense with the art you chose.
Examples from last year:
Smell: perfume manufacturing; smell + memories; examples of the 10,000 smells
Taste: food sampling; drawings of the tongue; the 5 different tastes
Vision: color-blind tests; color wheels; eyeball anatomy
Hearing: binaural beats; music for developing fetuses; music for studying; affects
of different decibels
Equilibrium: balance testing, yoga poses for balance
3. Write a 4 paragraph essay explaining:
1. The anatomy of the sense you chose
2. The physiology of the sense you chose
3. How this sense contributes to homeostasis of the body
4. Explain your project and how it shows the science of your sense in an artistic
way